In 2021, RV (short for recreational vehicle) ownership is at an all-time high. Currently, 11.2 million households throughout the country own an RV. That’s a 62 percent increase from ownership in 2021.
Have you purchased an RV? Do you have questions about storing your vehicle or keeping it in good condition? If so, listed below are 5 key tips everyone should know about proper recreational vehicle maintenance.
1. Inspect Your Roof
Ideally, you’ll inspect the roof of your RV every 3 months or so.
If you have leaks in the roof seals or seams, you could end up with severe (and expensive) water damage inside of the vehicle. Regular inspections will help you catch these issues before they escalate into major problems.
2. Keep the Battery Charged
If your RV’s battery isn’t well-maintained and working the way it should, your RV will run out of power, and you could find yourself in a very dangerous situation. Make sure the battery is always fully charged, and turn the RV on regularly to ensure the battery is functioning properly. If you do this consistently, your battery should last up to 5 years on average.
3. Check Water and Waste Systems
Be sure to check the RV’s water and waste systems and use the right chemicals to keep them working. Flushing these systems on a regular basis will help to prevent waste buildup, which can cause clogs and result in the whole system breaking down. That will definitely put a damper on your next RV trip.
4. Change the Oil and Filters
Plan for regular oil and filter changes for your RV, too.
The oil should be changed once per year or every 3,000 to 4,000 miles (whichever comes first). If you don’t change the oil regularly, you may cause severe wear and tear to your RV’s engine. This can lead to expensive damage if it goes on for too long.
As for the air, coolant, fuel, and hydraulic filters, each of these should be changed once per year, too. These changes also help to prevent damage to the engine and will help to preserve the RV’s good condition.
5. Store It Properly
Finally, make sure you have a plan for proper RV storage.
Whether you choose to self-store your vehicle or keep it in a professional storage facility, it should, at the very least, have an overhead cover.
It’s even better, though, if you can store your RV in an indoor storage facility that is climate-controlled and will protect it from extreme weather and temperatures. These facilities can be more expensive, but it’s worth it to keep your RV safe and prevent expensive damage.
Try These Vehicle Maintenance Tips Today
From knowing how to store your vehicle to known when you need more specialized vehicle care, there’s a lot to keep in mind when you invest in an RV. Keep these vehicle maintenance tips in mind so you can be prepared and feel confident that your beloved RV will last for years to come.
If you need more insight into RV maintenance or travel tips to have a great experience on the road, we’ve got lots of resources that can help. Check out the Automotive section today.
